A Newmarket man has been arrested after multiple businesses in Newmarket and Aurora were broken into by a suspect who used a “blunt instrument” to smash the front glass and gain entry Oct. 12 and 13.
Once inside, the suspect would check registers and take any available cash, according to a York Regional Police news release.
Through investigation, police located a suspect on Sheldon Avenue in Newmarket on Oct. 13. The man fled on foot and officers assisted by the canine unit and Air2 helicopter apprehended him shortly after in the area.
The suspect was found in possession of break-in tools, which were seized, police added.
James Hastings, 34, of Newmarket is charged with five counts of break, enter and commit; four counts of break and enter with intent; possession of break-in instruments; disobeying order of court; and breach of probation, police said.
Hastings was held for a bail hearing and released from custody Oct. 16. He’s next scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on Nov. 14.
Investigators believe additional break-ins may have occurred that have not yet been reported, and may have also occurred outside of York Region, police said.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police. Information about this crime can be provided by calling the York Regional Police #1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7142. Anyone wanting to provide information anonymously can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or provide a tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
